Is There Any Replacing Him?

Folcroft police and the Mackey family lose a loved one - a bomb-sniffing dog named Logan. My print column is up.

UPDATE: I just received this email:

Greetings Gil

After reading your story on Mackey & his dog’s unfortunate situation, I had to add to your observations.  I was Gene’s supervisor for those years on our prison’s working dog unit.  During that time I saw Gene strive to become a first class dog handler.  He always bonded with his assigned dogs, and most of the other compliment we maintained, better than some of the other handlers.  I guess he could relate on their level, which is not a bad thing.  He did possess an uncanny ability to recognize when one of our animals was in distress or about to become seriously ill before most others.  Many a night I was awakened by a phone call from Gene letting me know he was enroute to the animal emergency hospital with a dog that just didn’t look right….and he was always right – Gene Mackey was responsible for saving many of our working dogs because they were treated promptly and efficiently thanks to his intuitions.  I have yet to see any other dog handler with that unique ability.  I still miss Gene’s sense of humor and his talent.  I hope that the funding for another working dog can be raised so that Gene can continue to perform as a professional dog handler for the citizens of Folcroft and Delaware County – he very well deserves it. 

         John Miller 
         K-9 Lieutenant
         G.W. Hill Correctional Facility

Mackey mentioned Miller when I spoke with him and how much he learned from him. I'm sure he'll appreciate his kind words.